[fyrdude]

I know this has been discussed, but I thought I had read that pricing was up around $6,000 or $7,000. I purchased my truck in June for just a hair under $80,000, less than $90,000 out the door with nearly 10% in L.A. sales tax rates.

I just priced out the same truck and it came out to $92,500 BEFORE taxes, so over a $12,500 increase in just 6 months! That's a price hike. And that's for a Lariat, not even the premium Platinum Trim, which apparently would be over $100,000 now.

Everyone said the pricing of the Silverado was too high, but with Ford's current pricing, a top trim Lightning is basically the same as a top trim Silverado. Yet, the Silverado is a ground-breaking EV truck build from the ground-up to be an EV truck with all the latest tech, air suspension, mid-gate capability, four-wheel steering, true off-road capability, etc. Ford has already announced they they will be building a truck designed from the ground up as an EV, which I assume will be more competitive with the Chevy or GMC Sierra. But, the existing Lighting is just an ICE conversion that lacks many of the features and capabilities of the Chevy, GMC or Rivian, yet is the same price. It has a much smaller battery than the Chevy will have (135 vs 200), which is a big chunk of the cost of an EV. Ford brags about being able to power a house for 3 days. If Chevy offers the same thing, with a whopping 200 kWh battery, it should power a home for at least 5 days, if not longer.

At $79,000, it kind of made sense. At the same price as a Chevy / GMC, it no longer does. Given, the Ford is available now. Well, kind of. You still have to order it and wait a year to a year and half to get one. If you have an order in for the Chevy, probably will arrive around the same time.

This isn't a knock on Ford, just a logical analysis of an older style ICE, body on frame truck with standard coil suspension, no 4-wheel steering and a generic looking truck that looks almost exactly like the other 1,000,000 F-150's they produce every year.

Am I wrong for thinking that such a vehicle should be priced less than the more advanced Chevy / GMC options? Rivian is priced lower, but is a smaller truck. Certainly more advanced as it is designed to be an EV and has notably higher features, but should have lower pricing due to its size. Compared to the Chevy / GMC, the Rivian pricing make sense.

I know Ford has a backlog of about 1 year's worth of orders. But am curious what the reservation numbers are at this new price point? Are they still taking in thousand of orders?

I know for me, if I had to choose today, based on what each truck offers and pricing as of today, the Ford would easily be last on my list for the reasons noted above. What am I missing? Am I alone in thinking that the Ford "SHOULD" be priced less than the other offerings based on what it offers compared to the competition?

And what happened to the bare bones Pro model that was supposed to be priced under $40,000. I just priced one of those out with just a couple of typical Truck options and it comes in at $58,000. Nearly $20,000 higher. Chevy is still saying they will offer a $39,900 Silverado Base Model EV Truck. Now, the old school body on frame ICE conversion is nearly $20,000 more than the ground-up EV built Silverado? Just doesn't make sense to me?

Please, tell me what I'm missing?

 

[Trentb]

Ford closed the F-150 Lightning reservations nearly a year ago on December 8, 2021 after receiving 200,000 reservations. You cannot put in a reservation now, and will not be able to until sometime in the middle of next year at the earliest.

 

[MPie]

You're missing the fact that the Chevy and GMC trucks you keep comparing it to do not exist. The lightning is an excellent truck and is available now. If the competition releases a vehicle at a competitive price point and is better, the market will adjust and lightnings will sell below MSRP.

Sub 40k pros were a thing, but only for 2022 and for the luckiest people that got to convert their reservation to an order very early on. They increased the price after the first couple of waves, then again for 2023 MY. Being that it's about 80% as good for practically half the price of a platinum, it's easily the best value. People realized that, so they sold out quick. Ford also isn't making many of them. Just like every car; the base model isn't all that easy to find and it's almost like they only make it so they can say the price if the car is $Xx,xxx when the ones you can actually buy are mid to high trims for thousands more. Not excusing Ford, but the practice is widespread.

 

[red.blue]

If someone is looking to buy now and lock in a tax credit for this year… AND prices for 2023 are going up by $7,000-$12,000… AND features (like heated steering and onboard scales) are getting deleted for 2023, then it seems like you would be just as good (or better) if you can find the inventory and pay $5-10k over MSRP.

I know that no one wants to get had by the dealer, but it seems you will be paying the same price anyway… but with less features and delivery way in the future. Thoughts?

 

[Leaf to Lightning : )]

I have the 'lucky' sub-$40k LIGHTNING, and wouldn't look or concern myself with any of the 'other' supposed trucks that are 'coming out soon'... like already said: this IS the only 'truck' that is NOT trying to make itself look like some 'new' truck - it's WHAT Ford Truck Owners want - they DON'T want to look like some 'new' truck.

by the way: it's incorrect to assume that the LIGHTNING is somehow 'not' a 'ground up' new EV - it is. Ford is NOT using ANYTHING from the original F150 chassis - it's ALL NEW. The cab and bed certainly are taking the look of the F150, as former and new owners like to see, but even that has MANY new features and design changes that have to 'fit' the new chassis. If you look under this new machine, you won't see many similarities to the F150 gas version. You won't see any engine. Or transmission. Or driveline. Or gas tank. Or muffler. Or tailpipe. You get the idea. The chassis is also NOT the gas version's chassis. It's COMPLETELY different.

I LOVE the fact that my 'new' truck looks just like any other F150, and does NOT draw attention.
If you want to draw attention... I will give you a marker and a piece of paper. : ) Fun.

 

[cjb]

OP compares actual truck pricing with advertising from other manufacturers. Until a vehicle can be purchased, it doesn't mean anything. Even then, if the inexpensive model is made in small numbers the low price us really just advertising.

If someone is looking to buy now and lock in a tax credit for this year… AND prices for 2023 are going up by $7,000-$12,000… AND features (like heated steering and onboard scales) are getting deleted for 2023, then it seems like you would be just as good (or better) if you can find the inventory and pay $5-10k over MSRP.

I know that no one wants to get had by the dealer, but it seems you will be paying the same price anyway… but with less features and delivery way in the future. Thoughts?

If you're content with the 22 builds that are generally available as dealer stock right now (e.g. Lariat SR), you may save money relative to 23s. And I'm loving the fact that I have a heated steering wheel right now. The fact that the deletion is a 150$ credit is such BS when they promote using it and the seat warming as a more efficient way to heat in winter.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Please, tell me what I'm missing?

We have no idea what Chevy/GM will actually charge for their trucks.

 

[Western]

Word is Chevy/GM work truck will be $75K in limited quantities. 1st other available (top of line model) will be $100K+...

 

[cassondemmon]

Price increases have not scared away anyone I have spoken with. I get stopped and asked regularly how I got my Lightning and if I like it. Most have been waiting for over a year and cannot wait to buy one. I also get asked about what is included in higher models (I have an XLT), I tell them that for thousands more they lose the manual controls and get a huge ass screen with a knob.

 

[Fishstyx]

The price of EV pickup trucks WILL come down in real terms once we have competition. Right now the Lightning and Rivian are the only options and are in very short supply re demand. So, if there are only one in ten trucks available for the people who want them with no other options, Ford can target the top 10% of purchase power from a group that’s already (presumably) well heeled.

I think we have plenty of evidence at this point that EV trucks, practically speaking, are a niche product. They are very expensive and only good at ‘truck stuff’ over short distances either close to home or close to (usually) urban charging infrastructure. Lots of Lightning owners (myself included) who can’t afford an $80-100k truck that only meets 80% of this mission needs (ie need ANOTHER truck for the 20%) have sold them after coming to terms with this truth. Traveling off the beaten path with these things ranges from an ordeal to impossible.

Charging infrastructure will improve a lot over the next few years but the powerful DCFC that these huge batteries need to recharge quickly enroute will be scarce in rural areas for a very long time to come. During the next few years there will also be more options that will push prices down.

Bottom line is that in the short term EV pickups are mainly for high income / wealthy people who can afford to drop >100k on a vehicle that while super cool is of limited utility + other vehicles to pick up the slack.

 

[Txxthie]

by the way: it's incorrect to assume that the LIGHTNING is somehow 'not' a 'ground up' new EV - it is. Ford is NOT using ANYTHING from the original F150 chassis - it's ALL NEW. The cab and bed certainly are taking the look of the F150, as former and new owners like to see, but even that has MANY new features and design changes that have to 'fit' the new chassis. If you look under this new machine, you won't see many similarities to the F150 gas version. You won't see any engine. Or transmission. Or driveline. Or gas tank. Or muffler. Or tailpipe. You get the idea. The chassis is also NOT the gas version's chassis. It's COMPLETELY different.

Watch Munro Live Tear Down Videos on the Lightning to see what is all new vs identical vs modified.

I see your logic, but your definition of "ground up" is flawed. The Lightning is not a clean sheet design but a modification of the current F150. This was done primarily for speed to market. It lacks the efficiency gains and space seen with bespoke EV's that have better aerodynamics and packaging of EV components. The Lightning still has the legacy transmission tunnel and the distance between the frame rails limits the battery size of the ER version. Ford did a commendable job adapting the ICE platform, but there is not "all new" innovation here. The Lightning will definitely show its design limitations when bespoke trucks (Cybertruck, Silverado) hit the market in 2023. Buying a retrofit EV truck costing $80K+ could be a financially risky endeavor moving forward (Especially one that doesn't have a heat pump).

 

[ChasingCoral]

Word is Chevy/GM work truck will be $75K in limited quantities. 1st other available (top of line model) will be $100K+...

I'll repeat: We have no idea what Chevy/GM will actually charge for their trucks.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Price increases have not scared away anyone I have spoken with. I get stopped and asked regularly how I got my Lightning and if I like it. Most have been waiting for over a year and cannot wait to buy one. I also get asked about what is included in higher models (I have an XLT), I tell them that for thousands more they lose the manual controls and get a huge ass screen with a knob.

There are people on this Forum and many more on the FB side who claim to have cancelled over rising prices. For every cancellation there are two more buyers waiting in the wings, usually ready to pay MSRP + ADM.

 

[Fishstyx]

There are people on this Forum and many more on the FB side who claim to have cancelled over rising prices. For every cancellation there are two more buyers waiting in the wings, usually ready to pay MSRP + ADM.

There are, for sure, but that’s a function of scarcity. People are paying a premium for that. Driving a Lightning is unique. These other trucks will hit the market in the next year and a couple years down there will be more on the road reducing the novelty factor and that will reduce peoples’ willingness to pay the premium prices of today.

 

[fyrdude]

Buying a retrofit EV truck costing $80K+ could be a financially risky endeavor moving forward (Especially one that doesn't have a heat pump).

Especially when Ford has already announced they will be releasing a true "ground-up" designed EV truck in the next 2-3 years. Once those are available, values on the existing antiquated design will plummet. It's already a challenge to sell a new "pre-owned" at prices high enough to cover the original buyer's cost after taxes.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Especially when Ford has already announced they will be releasing a true "ground-up" designed EV truck in the next 2-3 years. Once those are available, values on the existing antiquated design will plummet. It's already a challenge to sell a new "pre-owned" at prices high enough to cover the original buyer's cost after taxes.

Interesting take on things but I'm not sure your crystal ball is that clear. Most used EVs have held their value rather well. Besides, there's no evidence that next Ford EV truck will be a full-size. Most evidence points to a Ranger-class truck. That will leave the Lightning standing in its class.

 

[HellBoy]

Interesting take on things but I'm not sure your crystal ball is that clear. Most used EVs have held their value rather well. Besides, there's no evidence that next Ford EV truck will be a full-size. Most evidence points to a Ranger-class truck. That will leave the Lightning standing in its class.

some people are just ‘hopeful’ they will be able to buy one for cheap some day…I have a friend that thinks a 3y old Lightning will be $20k CAD 😂😂😂😂😂😂

pipe dream but he is biting all his fingers in jealousy…so it really comes down to that.

 

[Biobob]

I have the 'lucky' sub-$40k LIGHTNING, and wouldn't look or concern myself with any of the 'other' supposed trucks that are 'coming out soon'... like already said: this IS the only 'truck' that is NOT trying to make itself look like some 'new' truck - it's WHAT Ford Truck Owners want - they DON'T want to look like some 'new' truck.

by the way: it's incorrect to assume that the LIGHTNING is somehow 'not' a 'ground up' new EV - it is. Ford is NOT using ANYTHING from the original F150 chassis - it's ALL NEW. The cab and bed certainly are taking the look of the F150, as former and new owners like to see, but even that has MANY new features and design changes that have to 'fit' the new chassis. If you look under this new machine, you won't see many similarities to the F150 gas version. You won't see any engine. Or transmission. Or driveline. Or gas tank. Or muffler. Or tailpipe. You get the idea. The chassis is also NOT the gas version's chassis. It's COMPLETELY different.

I LOVE the fact that my 'new' truck looks just like any other F150, and does NOT draw attention.
If you want to draw attention... I will give you a marker and a piece of paper. : ) Fun.

I agree, I have a 2022 lariat ER, I received it last November and my price was 76000.
I love this truck and I was and still have been driving a 2001 F150 that looks and runs like new. (It is modified and runs at 442 hp and it’s a 4wheel drive)
I will be giving it to my granddaughter.
I don’t know what is going on with the pricing now but I got what I wanted am very happy with it.
Biobob
California

 

[R.I.P.]

If someone is looking to buy now and lock in a tax credit for this year… AND prices for 2023 are going up by $7,000-$12,000… AND features (like heated steering and onboard scales) are getting deleted for 2023, then it seems like you would be just as good (or better) if you can find the inventory and pay $5-10k over MSRP.

I know that no one wants to get had by the dealer, but it seems you will be paying the same price anyway… but with less features and delivery way in the future. Thoughts?

When to buy; prices to fall.

Predictably, recent customers who purchased Tesla vehicles have become disenchanted because price cuts left them feeling a bit fleeced. Predictable on two levels. It is predictable that customers would feel this way after having paid more than they could have, but it was also predictable that...

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